P is for Planet

Planets are the ubiquitous destinations for all interstellar travel. It is here, combined with the information gained in K is for Knowledge, that a Galaxy Master of any science fiction roleplaying game frames an important location in their mythos. They are the intergalactic villages the Crew retreats to after a dangerous steading of the dungeon we call “galaxy”. With billions and billions of planets scattered across the galaxy, no two are identical, each one is a precious jewel in the cosmic ocean.

Well, maybe not every planet. Though certainly, every planet that we as storytellers are interested in. Use the chart below to help guide your design of the planetary bodies of importance in your Star Wars campaign; planets, moons, large asteroid groups, and even man-made celestial structures. Stellar objects with no real interesting features or role in the tale should be ignored, invented on the fly only when the needs arise. Take care to ensure that each planet is special and unique in your galaxy. While a Galaxy Master may choose to accept two planets with identical base adjectives found here, that is only the springboard from which the story will jump and take on separate directions.

To use the chart, either choose one Dominant Feature and one Primary Industry, or roll 2d20 for each column to let the destiny and the magic of the dice choose for you. These two simple factors combine into a strong statement that is relatively easy to remember and gets immediately into the interests of the Crew: what dangers are here? what is interesting to do at this place?

When choosing a Dominant Feature, be sure to understand that this is used to describe the planet in only the most gross and overarching terms. Each planet has its own subtleties, variances, and mysteries; hidden in the cracks and crags, waiting to be discovered by your Crew.

2d10

DOMINANT FEATURE

2

artificially constructed

3

toxic atmosphere

4

tectonically unstable

5

asteroid belt or group of small moons; no atmosphere

6

oceanic

7

hot and arid

8

overly large; high gravity

9

mountainous

10

forest or jungle

11

mixed, earth-like

12

open plains

13

wetlands

14

very small; low gravity

15

metropolitan

16

frozen

17

jovian / gaseous planet

18

volcanic

19

highly irradiated

20

roll twice, combining the results

2d10

PRIMARY INDUSTRY

2

religious

3

financial

4

healthcare

5

academic

6

administration or species homeworld

7

new colony

8

spaceport

9

agricultural

10

trade

11

abandoned / uninhabited

12

mining and natural resources

13

manufacturing

14

recreation

15

primitive civilization; only Rarity 1 items available

16

high tech

17

military

18

disaster

19

arts

20

roll twice, combining the results

Many thanks to Nick Tringali for many of excellent ideas here for pushing this entry of Edge of the Empire Alphabet to such great heights.